Hot this week – December 7 to 13

We may not have much snow, but luckily there is still plenty to do in Manitoba – and mild weather to boot. Get outside for a hike through FortWhyte Alive or head out of town for the weekend in a Whiteshell retreat. If outdoors aren’t really your thing, tick a few names off your Christmas list as you saunter from store to store on a trip to Winnipeg’s center or down the province’s many Main Streets. And if you’re still missing snowflakes, take a drive through Canad Inn’s Winter Wonderland to stare in wonder at about million of them. Here’s what’s hot this week…

Drive through a winter wonderland

Canad Inns Winter Wonderland

Dec 4 to Jan 2
Red River Exhibition Park

Grab your friends and family, pack into the car, and celebrate the season of lights – all three million watts of them at a Canad Inns Winter Wonderland! From the comfort of your car, drive around the 2.5 km park to see a brilliant presentation of over one million lights in 26 different theme areas.

Shop, wander and say hi to the goats at Pineridge Hollow

Fairy lights? Check. Campfire? Check. Holiday shopping? Check. GOATS? Check. Located close by Birds Hill Park, Pineridge Hollow is a magical stop where you can sit by the fire to enjoy a s’more, meet and pet the goats, or simply do some shopping in their gorgeous boutique. If you’re planning on dining in the restaurant, be sure to make your reservation ahead of time!

Take a weekend in the Whiteshell

Start your staycation in the gorgeous Falcon Trails Resort before hitting the great outdoors. In a paradise for nature-lovers, you can head down the trails on horseback, on snowmobile (weather permitting, of course), and on foot before cozying up by the fire, all while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife. You can even go on a geocaching adventure on Saturday, December 12 in the Alfred Hole Goose Sanctuary!

Be our guest at a Candy Cane Tea Party

December 12, 1 to 3 pm
Oak Hammock Marsh

Gather with fellow elves for Oak Hammock Marsh’s 6th Annual Candy Cane Tea. Sip tea and try a selection of house-made savoury and sweet items, including chicken divan, lamb kofte and almond briwat. We may not know what these foods are, but they definitely sound delicious. See you there!

Find your center at FortWhyte Alive

December 12, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
FortWhyte Alive

There’s no better way to start the morning than with Cabin Yoga at FortWhyte Alive. On the docket this weekend is a brisk forest hike followed by guided, indoor yoga and meditation. Leader Ashley Bourgeois of Shakti SUP + Snow will help you tap into a zen moment on the most relaxing Saturday ever.

Savour a festive day in the city

Photo by Tiny Feast

When the lights on Portage Avenue are aglow, and the stores bring out their sparkling decor, the spirit of the holidays follows close behind. If you’re with me, don your coziest scarf and check your list twice. Here’s how to spend a day savouring the season in Winnipeg! And as an added bonus, this week just happens to be the perfect time to Shop the Exchange.

Go shopping on the “main streets” of Manitoba

Shopping at the mall at this time of year is frazzled, frenzied, and let’s face it – frustrating. So forget those jam-packed parking lots and those overcrowded big box stores, and do your shopping on Main Street. Whatever city or town you find yourself in, you’ll find cute shops and cozy stores offering a pleasant shopping experience to get something for everyone on your nice list.

Meet the Ghost of Christmas Past

December 10 to 13
Dalnavert Museum

The 1895 house of former Manitoba premier Sir Hugh John MacDonald is the perfect backdrop to hear a classic Christmas tale. Fully decorated according to Victorian tradition, you will have no problem becoming fully immersed in the iconic reading of A Christmas Carol. Gather to enjoy the timeless tale of Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the three Ghosts of Christmas, as well as warm beverages and holiday treats.

Visit an indoor farmers market

December 10
Manitoba Hydro Place

Long after the Farmers’ Markets of summer have packed up their goods and left for the season, the Downtown Farmers’ Market heads indoors for once a month shopping! The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s popular farmers’ market offers fresh baking, vinegar, jams, spices, meat, sauces, fruits, vegetables and preserves.

Trot around Birds Hill

Open daily
Birds Hill Park

Mosey on over to Birds Hill Park Ranch to enjoy a trail ride or sleigh ride in and around the park while breathing in the crisp air and viewing the spectacular scenery. Don’t forget to bring your camera! You may see deer, owls and various other wildlife.

See Alice through the looking glass

Nov 25 to Dec 19
John Hirsch Mainstage, Winnipeg

Draw out your inner child for an imaginative tale in this coming-of-age sequel to Alice in Wonderland. After travelling through the looking-glass, Alice meets with characters like Tweedledum, Tweedledee, Humpty Dumpty and the White Knight for a spectacular adventure of ridiculous, topsy-turvy fun.

Rev it up for those feisty Jets

December 10
MTS Centre

The good old hockey game brings the roar to the crowd when the Winnipeg Jets take on the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 10. As always, tickets are limited, so grab what you can before they’re all gobbled up. And there’s plenty of pre- and post-game action at surrounding pubs, clubs and eateries like The Pint, Shark Club,The Met, and Tavern United.

Get the (craft) show on the road

Remember last year when you were running through the mall on December 24th, desperately seeking that perfect (but inevitably sold out) gift? That’s not going to happen this year. That’s right, craft season has arrived and there are tons of shows and markets to browse.

December 12

Kick it up at the Moose game

December 12 and 13
MTS Centre

The Manitoba Moose are back, baby! Winnipeg is welcoming this iconic team back to the arena with open arms, and AHL hockey has never been more exciting. This week, head to the MTS Centre to watch the Moose take on the Milwaukee Admirals December 12 and 13.

Get your glow on

Nov 23 to Dec 27
Manitoba Electrical Museum

Light em’ up. The Manitoba Electrical Museum is the go-to place for all things that glow and glimmer. Get inspired by a variety of Christmas light displays and revisit holiday memories of the past. Learn about the history of electrical development in our province, from a replica of a 1940’s kitchen during farm electrification to climbing aboard a streetcar – one of the city’s first uses of electricity.

Let the lights put you in the holiday spirit

Dec 12 to 14
Manitoba Agricultural Museum, Austin

Come celebrate the holidays at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum! Travel through the Homesteader’s Village glistening with holiday color. There will be hot dog roasts over the bonfire, hot chocolate, jam-pail curling and horse-drawn sleigh rides (weather permitting).

See how bright the Christmas lights shine

Dec 4 to Jan 7
Portage la Prairie

The brightest spot in Portage la Prairie is Island Park during the Hydro Power Smart Island of Lights. Make your way through Manitoba’s longest running drive through light show – or make the evening more memorable with a hayride.

Feast with Gods and Goddesses

December 10
Winnipeg Art Gallery

Arugula salad, roasted lamb and an ample supply of gods and goddesses are on the menu at this dinner-and-tour program at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Dr. Lea Sterling of the University of Manitoba, Dept of Classics will bring you through 160 Greek and Roman treasures in a rare night of history and delectable fare.

Hey! I'm Breanne, Content Specialist for Travel Manitoba. I work with the content team to come up with wacky ideas for our blog and social media platforms. My next pitch? Top 10 Spots to Cuddle Cats in Manitoba. You can email me at bsewards@travelmanitoba.com.